Jaw, blade and gap manufacturing for surgical instruments with small jaws

ABSTRACT

An endoscopic forceps includes an elongate shaft defining an instrument axis. An end effector includes first and second jaw members each supporting an opposed sealing surface for clamping tissue. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the instrument axis such that the jaw members are movable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue. A cutting instrument includes a reciprocating blade translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the jaw members. The reciprocating blade contacts an undersurface of at least one of the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces. A handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongate shaft is operable to induce motion in the jaw members, and an actuator is operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/574,292, filed Oct. 6, 2009, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to endoscopic surgical instruments, and in particular to component arrangements and manufacturing processes suitable for use with instruments having relatively small end effectors.

2. Background of Related Art

Typically in a laparoscopic, an endoscopic, or other minimally invasive surgical procedure, a small incision or puncture is made in a patient's body. A cannula is then inserted into a body cavity through the incision, which provides a passageway for inserting various surgical devices such as scissors, dissectors, retractors, or similar instruments. To facilitate operability through the cannula, instruments adapted for laparoscopic surgery typically include a relatively narrow shaft supporting an end effector at its distal end and a handle at its proximal end. Arranging the shaft of such an instrument through the cannula allows a surgeon to manipulate the proximal handle from outside the body to cause the distal end effector to carry out a surgical procedure at a remote surgical site inside the body. This type of endoscopic procedure has proven beneficial over traditional open surgery due to reduced trauma, improved healing and other attendant advantages.

To fully realize the benefits of endoscopic surgery, instruments used for this purpose are typically designed to pass through a cannula providing a relatively small opening. For example, a cannula opening may have a diameter in the range of about five millimeters to about twelve millimeters. Even smaller openings may prove beneficial if instruments are designed without compromising the integrity or functionality of the instrument.

One type of endoscopic instrument that presents a particular challenge for designers is an electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue. An electrosurgical forceps is a relatively complex instrument typically including several moving parts. For example, a pair of moveable jaw members may be provided for grasping tissue, and reciprocating blade may move to cut through the tissue at an appropriate time. Also contributing to the complexity is a stop member that controls the gap, or a minimum distance maintained between sealing surfaces of the jaw members. Maintaining an appropriate gap between the sealing surfaces is a necessary factor for forming an effective tissue seal. These and other manufacturing challenges become increasingly difficult to overcome when designing instruments to fit through smaller cannula openings. Conventional machining and assembly methods may lend difficulty to instrument manufacturing as the size of the components is reduced. Therefore, a jaw configuration that reduces the number or complexity of components may prove beneficial for small diameter instruments.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes an endoscopic bipolar forceps assembly that may be configured for use with a cannula having an opening of five millimeters or less in diameter. Several component arrangements and manufacturing process are described herein that may prove useful for larger instruments as well.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an endoscopic forceps for joining tissue includes an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The elongate shaft defines an instrument axis. An end effector adjacent the distal end of the elongate shaft includes first and second jaw members each supporting an opposed sealing surface for clamping tissue. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the instrument axis such that the jaw members are movable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue. A cutting instrument including a reciprocating blade is translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the jaw members. The reciprocating blade contacts an undersurface of an opposite jaw member when the jaw members are in the second configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces. A handle adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate shaft is operable to induce motion in the jaw members to move the jaw members between the first configuration the second configuration. An actuator is operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade.

The cutting instrument may include a distal blade and a proximal blade each contacting the undersurface of the opposite jaw member when the end effector is in the closed configuration to provide bilateral support to the opposite jaw member. The proximal blade and the distal blade may be independently movable relative to the sealing surfaces.

The reciprocating blade may include a tubular member extending proximally through the elongate shaft and a taper at a distal end of the tubular member that forms a cutting edge.

At least one of the sealing surfaces may be spring biased against a body of the respective jaw member. At least one of the first and second jaw members may include a generally flat stamped spine supporting a laterally extending backing to form the respective sealing surface. The end effector may be configured to fit through a five millimeter diameter cannula opening.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an endoscopic forceps for joining tissue includes an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The elongate shaft defines an instrument axis. An end effector adjacent the distal end of the elongate shaft includes first and second jaw members each supporting an opposed sealing surface for clamping tissue. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the instrument axis to move the jaw members a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue. A cutting instrument including a reciprocating blade is translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the jaw members. The reciprocating blade includes a tubular member extending proximally through the elongate shaft and a taper at a distal end of the tubular member that forms a cutting edge. A handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongate shaft is operable to induce motion in the jaw members to move the jaw members between the first configuration the second configuration. An actuator is operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade. The tubular member may include a lateral opening to provide access to an interior region of the tubular member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical system including an endoscopic forceps with an end effector and a generator in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an end effector for use with the forceps of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an end effector in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A through 4C are perspectives views of alternate embodiments of jaw members designed to facilitate manufacturing and assembly of the forceps of FIG. 1 in accordance the present disclosure;

FIG. 4D is a side, elevational view of another alternate embodiment of a jaw member in accordance with the present disclosure wherein appendages define a gap for maintaining the jaw members a fixed distance relative to one another for sealing tissue;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an end effector in accordance with the present disclosure in an open configuration depicting a dual blade cutting instrument;

FIG. 5B is a schematic view of the end effector of FIG. 5A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a jaw member in accordance with the present disclosure depicting a knife channel wall projecting above a seal plate to define a gap distance for sealing tissue;

FIG. 5D is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the jaw member of FIG. 5C taken along the plane 5D-5D;

FIG. 5E is a partial perspective view of a cutting instrument in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5F is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a cutting instrument in accordance with the present disclosure having a wire loop for capturing tissue

FIG. 5G is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an end effector in accordance with the present disclosure in an open configuration depicting a wire loop cutting instrument; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a jaw member in accordance with the present disclosure wherein a spring loaded seal plate is movable relative to the jaw member to influence a sealing pressure applied to tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. The disclosed embodiments are not to be interpreted as limiting, but are merely examples to provide a representative basis for the claims. In the drawings and in the description which follows, the term “proximal,” as is traditional, will refer to the direction toward the operator or a relative position on the surgical device or instrument which is closer to the operator, while the term “distal” will refer to the direction away from the operator or a relative position on the instrument which is further from the operator.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an electrosurgical system is depicted generally as 10. The system 10 includes an endoscopic forceps 12 coupled to an electrosurgical generator 14 by a cable 16. The forceps 12 includes a handle portion 18 near a proximal end, an end effector 20 near a distal end and an elongate shaft 22 therebetween. The elongate shaft 22 defines an instrument axis “A,” which may be aligned with an axis of a cannula (not shown) to insert the end effector 20 into a body cavity. Handle portion 18 is manipulatable by a surgeon from outside the body cavity to control the movement of the end effector 20 positioned inside the body cavity. For example, the surgeon may separate and approximate a pivoting handle 26 relative to a stationary handle 28 to respectively move the end effector 20 between open and closed configurations whereby a pair of jaw members 30, 32 are caused to pivot about a pivot pin 34. The motion exhibited by the jaw members 30, 32 may be described as bilateral in that both jaw members 30 and 32 move with respect to the instrument axis “A” as the end effector 20 is moved between the open and closed configurations. However, unilateral motion is also contemplated wherein an end effector (not shown) includes a stationary jaw that remains fixed relative to the instrument axis “A” and a moveable jaw that moves relative to the instrument axis “A.” Handle portion 18 also supports a knife actuator 33, which is operable to selectively translate a reciprocating blade (see, e.g., FIG. 5A) through the jaw members 30, 32.

Electrosurgical generator 14 supplies the forceps 12 with electrosurgical energy, typically in the form of monopolar or bipolar radio frequency (RF) energy. In a bipolar mode, electrical energy may be provided through cable 16 and may be directed to two opposed poles on the end effector 20. The electrosurgical energy may be passed through tissue clamped between the jaw members 30, 32 to effect a tissue seal. With respect to a monopolar mode, energy of a first potential is supplied to one or both of the jaw members 30, 32 and a return pad (not shown) carries the energy back to the generator.

Referring now to FIG. 2, end effector 20 is depicted in an open configuration for receiving tissue between upper jaw member 30 and lower jaw member 32. Lower jaw member 32 includes a body 36, which provides the structural strength necessary to allow the jaw member to clamp tissue with an appropriate pressure. An appropriate sealing pressure might be, for example, in the range of from about 3 kg/cm² to about 16 kg/cm². The jaw members 30 and 32 pivot about a pivot pin 34 to move between the open and closed configurations. A sealing surface 38 is disposed on the body 36 of lower jaw member 32, and is oriented to oppose a similar sealing surface 40 on a body 42 of upper jaw member 30. The sealing surfaces 38, 40 contact the tissue when the end effector is moved to the closed configuration and deliver electrosurgical energy to the tissue. The sealing surfaces 38, 40 are generally flat to avoid current concentrations at sharp edges, and to avoid arcing between high points.

Sealing surface 38 on lower jaw member 32 is equipped with a plurality of electrically insulative stop members 44 that project from the sealing surface 38 a particular distance to control the gap between the sealing surfaces 38, 40 when end effector 20 is moved to the closed configuration. When the sealing surface 40 on the upper jaw member 30 contacts the stop members 44, sealing surface 40 is separated from sealing surface 38 by an appropriate gap for sealing tissue. An appropriate gap may be in the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches.

A knife channel 46 extends in a generally longitudinal direction along lower jaw member 32. Knife channel 46 supports a knife blade (not shown) that may traverse the knife channel 46 to sever tissue clamped between the sealing surfaces 38, 40. For example, once a tissue seal has been effected, a surgeon may advance a knife blade distally through the knife channel 46. The knife may protrude from the knife channel 46 into a similar channel (not shown) formed in the upper jaw member 30 to ensure that any tissue captured between the jaw members 30, 32 is engaged by the knife.

Various materials and configurations may be used for constructing the jaw bodies 36, 42, the sealing surfaces 38, 40, the stop members 44 and various other components of the end effector 20. For example, jaw bodies 36, 42 may be machined from a stainless steel or similar metal, while stop members 44 may comprise a ceramic material disposed directly on the sealing surface 38. A ceramic material provides electrical insulative properties and is tolerant of the pressures and temperatures associated with tissue sealing for repeated sealing cycles. Alternatively, stop members 44 may be constructed of a plastic material molded onto the body 36 of the lower jaw member 32. Molding a plastic stop member 44 on the body 36 lower jaw member 32 may prove to be an attractive option for small instruments to permit a more significant portion of the sealing surface 38 to contact tissue. A plastic stop member 44 could be molded at a periphery of the body 36 or adjacent the knife channel 46.

Another alternative construction for jaw members 30, 32 includes forming the bodies 36, 42 from an electrically insulative material such as glass or a ceramic. The sealing surfaces 38 and 40 may be constructed with a thin coating of an electrically conductive material applied to the bodies by a physical or chemical vapor deposition process. Vapor deposition is a process commonly employed by the semi-conductor industry to form thin films from electrically conductive materials such as titanium or molybdenum. A sealing surface 38, 40 constructed by vapor deposition could be electrically coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy (e.g., electrosurgical generator 14, FIG. 1) to deliver current to tissue, while the body 36, 42 could be formed into an intricate geometry to apply an appropriate pressure and form an appropriate gap. Rather than applying a sealing surface 38, 40 by vapor deposition, a glass or ceramic jaw member 30, 32 may be configured to expose a conductive wire to form sealing surfaces 38, 40.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of an end effector is depicted generally as 50. End effector 50 includes an upper jaw member 52 and a lower jaw member 54. Bodies 56, 58 of the jaw members 52 and 54 are formed by a process known as metal injection molding. Metal injection molding is a process similar to thermoplastic injection molding in that complex geometries can be reproduced on a small scale. The process involves combining fine metal powders with plastic binders, which allow the metal to be injected into a mold using standard plastic injection molding machines. After the bodies 56, 58 are molded, the binders may be removed with solvents and/or thermal processes. The resultant bodies are then completed by heating or sintering at temperatures great enough to bind the powders, but not melt the metal.

Components formed by this process typically maintain tolerances of about ±0.5 percent, or down to ±0.001 inches for small dimensions, without secondary manufacturing processes. This makes metal injection molding an attractive option for producing the bodies 56, 58 of the jaw members 52 and 54, which are intended to be relatively small. Additionally, the metal substrate permits the bodies 56, 58 of the jaw members 52 and 54 to exhibit the mechanical performance properties required to effectively form a tissue seal. The metal substrate may, for example, comprise a common stainless steel such as 304L, 316L or 440C. Other alloys may be considered to enhance magnetic or thermal expansion properties of the jaw members 52, 54.

A sealing surface 60 is formed in the lower jaw member 54 such that the sealing surface 60 is recessed into the body 58. A periphery 62 of the body 58 extends around the sealing surface 60 to define a gap, or the minimum distance that may be maintained between sealing surface 60 and a sealing surface 64 disposed on the upper jaw member. The periphery 62 may include a semi-conductive film to provide insulation. Sealing surface 64 may be recessed into the body 56 of the upper jaw, or the sealing surface 64 may lie flush with an exterior surface of the upper jaw member 52. The recess may be roughly formed in the body 58 with the metal injection molding process described above. Fine surface adjustments may be made to the flatness or surface finish of the sealing surface 64 by a machining process such as wire EDM manufacturing.

Wire EDM, or electrical discharge machining, is a high precision manufacturing process capable of forming a sealing surface 64 suitably flat and smooth to permit an effective tissue seal. Tolerances of ±0.0002 inches are routinely achieved by the wire EDM process. The process involves removing metal from the jaw body 58 by generating a series of electrical arcs between the body 58 and a moveable electrode in the presence of an electric field. The electrical arcs remove metal along the cutting path by melting and vaporization.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A through 4D, several configurations are discussed for a small jaw member. Conventional machining and assembly methods may lend difficulty to instrument manufacturing as the size of the components is reduced. Therefore, a jaw configuration that reduces the number or complexity of components may prove beneficial for small diameter instruments.

Jaw member 68, depicted in FIG. 4A, includes a proximal projection 70 extending from a distal region 72. The distal region 72 may support a sealing surface 74 thereon, while the proximal projection 70 includes a bore 76 and an angled slot 78, which work in combination to cause the jaw member 68 to move. The bore 76 defines a pivot axis “P” about which the jaw member 68 may pivot, and is configured to receive a pivot pin or boss (not shown) therethrough. The angled slot 78 is configured to receive a longitudinally moveable cam member (not shown) to drive the pivotal motion of jaw member 68 about the pivot axis “P.” Since the proximal projection 70 drives the motion of the jaw member 68, a certain degree of rigidity of the proximal projection 70 may be beneficial. The rigidity may be supplied by a stamped spine 80.

Stamped spine 80 is a generally flat component formed by stamping a particular profile from a sheet metal or other rigid flat stock material. The spine 80 may be stamped to define the external shape of the proximal projection 70, and may extend the full length of the jaw member 68 into the distal region 72. Stamping is a common process in metal working, wherein a press and a die apply shear pressure to a stock material to form a particular shape. High tolerances may be achieved by stamping, and thus the need for a secondary machining process may be avoided. For example, the spine 80 may be formed including the bore 76 and the slot 78 in a single stamping operation.

The stamped spine 80 supports a backing 82 thereon. The backing 82 extends laterally from the stamped spine 80 to define a width of a sealing surface 74. The backing 82 may extend in a single direction as shown, or in various lateral and vertical directions to form other surfaces of the jaw member 68. Backing 82 may comprise a plastic material molded, or otherwise affixed to the spine 80. An appropriate plastic backing may be configured to project from the jaw member 68 to control a gap between sealing surface 74 and an opposed sealing surface (not shown). Backing 82 may alternatively be constructed from a metallic material such as zinc, magnesium or aluminum.

Jaw member 86, depicted in FIG. 4B, may also be formed by a process of minimal complexity. Jaw member 86 includes a body 88 and a pivot pin 90. The body 88 supports a sealing surface 92, and includes a slot 94 to drive a pivotal motion of jaw member 86 about the pivot pin 90. The body 88 may be formed as a die cast component from a material such as zinc, aluminum or magnesium. Die casting involves inserting molten metal under pressure into a die cavity and allowing the metal to solidify. Die casting is most commonly used with non-ferrous metals such as those mentioned above. It may be beneficial, though, to construct pivot pin 90 from a ferrous steel insert, which may be press fit, insert-molded in the die casting, or otherwise joined to the non-ferrous body 88.

Jaw member 96, depicted in FIG. 4C, includes a sealing surface 98 and an actuation bore 102. Actuation bore 102 is offset from a pivot pin 106 such that the actuation bore 102 may be engaged by conductive pull wire 108 to cause the jaw member 96 to pivot. Pull wire 108 may be mechanically coupled an actuation mechanism such as pivoting handle 26 (FIG. 1) to move the pull wire 108 longitudinally with respect to the pivot pin 106 and thus pivot the jaw member. Pull wire 108 may also be electrically coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy to deliver power to the sealing surface 98. Since separate mechanical and electrical actuation mechanisms may not be necessary, the number of parts required may be reduced by permitting the pull wire 108 to perform both electrical and mechanical functions.

Jaw member 110, depicted in FIG. 4D includes a body 112 and appendages 114 and 116. The body 112 may be constructed of a stamped metallic plate as discussed above, or may alternatively be constructed of a metalized carbon, plastic or similar material. A metalized material generally is impregnated with a metal to impart metallic properties to the material. For example, a metalized body 112 may be capable of conducting an electrosurgical current from a solder joint 118 at a proximal region of the jaw member 110 where the jaw member may be coupled to an elongate shaft 18 (FIG. 1) to a sealing surface 120. The underlying substrate of the metalized material may be selected for other characteristics such as thermal expansion, manufacturability or a readiness to adhere to appendages 114 and 116.

The appendages 114 and 116 may be constructed of a ceramic to provide electrical insulation to the jaw member 110. For example, proximal appendage 114 includes a pivot bore 122 for receiving a pin (not shown), which may be electrically isolated from the body 112 due to the ceramic construction of the proximal appendage 114. Proximal appendage 114 also provides a step 124 to define a gap distance “g” from sealing surface 120. Distal appendage 116 may also protrude above the sealing surface 120 by the gap distance “g” to provide bilateral support for an opposing jaw member (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 5A through 5D, several embodiments are discussed relating to small jaw configurations that employ components for cutting tissue. End effector 130 depicted in FIG. 5A includes an upper jaw member 132 movably disposed with respect to a lower jaw member 134. The lower jaw member 134 includes a knife channel 136 extending in a generally longitudinal direction through a u-shaped sealing surface 138. A cutting instrument includes a proximal blade 140 and a distal blade 144 projecting from the knife channel 136 to permit the end effector 130 to selectively cut tissue.

The proximal blade 140 may translate to traverse the knife channel 136 in a distal direction to cut tissue clamped between the upper and lower jaw members 132 and 134, while the distal blade 144 may traverse the channel 136 in a proximal direction to cut tissue. The two blades 140, 144 may be selectively and independently actuated from a handle 18 (FIG. 1) such that one blade remains stationary within the knife channel 136 while the other cuts tissue, or alternatively both blades may be configured to move together. Also, the two blades 140, 144 may be laterally aligned within the channel 136 such that the two blades 140, 144 contact one another when fully approximated, or alternatively the two blades 140, 144 may be laterally offset such that the blades may move longitudinally past one another as they traverse the channel 136.

As depicted in FIG. 5B, when the upper and lower jaw members are moved to a closed configuration, an undersurface 148 of the upper jaw member 132 contacts the blade members 140, 144. Thus, the two blade members 140, 144 define the gap distance “g” between the sealing surface 138 of the lower jaw member 134 and an opposed sealing surface 150 of the upper jaw member 132 shown in phantom. This configuration may eliminate the need for stop members positioned on surfaces which might otherwise be used for sealing tissue, such as the stop members 44 described in reference to FIG. 2.

Jaw member 152 depicted in FIGS. 5C and 5D includes an alternate configuration for a maintaining a specified distance between sealing surfaces. Jaw member 152 includes a body 154 supporting a sealing surface 156 thereon. A knife channel 158 extends through the jaw member 152 and includes an elevated surface with respect to the sealing surface 156.

The body 154 of the jaw may be a die cast or metal injection molded component having the knife channel 158 formed integrally therein. A channel wall 160 protrudes from a laterally interior region of the body 154 to define the knife channel 158. Laterally outward from the channel wall 160, a layer of insulation 162 electrically separates the body 154 from a seal plate 164. The channel wall 160 extends beyond the sealing surface 156 of the seal plate 160 by a distance “g” such that a gap may be formed between the sealing surface 156 and a sealing surface of an opposed jaw member (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 5E, a cutting instrument such as knife 170 may be advanced through a channel to cut tissue. Knife 170 includes a tubular member 172. The tubular member 172 is crimped such that a taper 174 is formed closing a distal end of the tubular member 172. The closed distal end may be sharpened to form a cutting edge 176. The tubular body provides an interior region through which electrical conductors, fluid conduits or other elongate components may be disposed. An opening such as lateral opening 178 may be formed in the tubular member 172 to provide access to the interior region. The tubular member 172 may extend proximally through an elongate shaft 22 (FIG. 1) such that knife 170 may be controlled from a proximal end of an instrument.

Referring now to FIG. 5F, a snare 180 is depicted, which may be incorporated into a small instrument to permit tissue to be cut. The snare 180 includes a wire loop 182 extending from a distal end of a sheath 184. The wire loop 182 may be coupled to an actuation mechanism (not shown) at a proximal end of the instrument permitting the wire loop 182 to be extended from and withdrawn into the distal end of the sheath 184. The wire loop 182 may be coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy such that wire loop 182 exhibits a first electrical polarity (−). A forward surface 186 of the sheath 184 may exhibit a second electrical polarity (+) separated from the wire loop by insulating grommets 188.

Tissue may be captured within the wire loop 182. As the wire loop 182 is withdrawn into the sheath 184, the tissue may be drawn toward the forward surface 186. An electrical current may be transmitted through the tissue between the wire loop 182 and the forward surface 186 such that the tissue may be electrosurgically cut.

Snare 180 represents a relatively simple mechanism, which may be readily incorporated into a small diameter endoscopic instrument, or may be configured for use in open surgical procedures. Other embodiments include a monopolar snare 180 wherein wire loop 182 and/or the forward surface 186 exhibits a first electrical polarity (−) and a return pad (not shown) exhibits the second electrical polarity (+), and a rigid snare 180 having a wire loop 182 that does not withdraw into the sheath 184.

Referring now to FIG. 5G, end effector 190 includes an upper jaw member 192 movably coupled to a lower jaw member 194. The upper and lower jaw members 194 include respective opposed sealing surfaces 196 a, 196 b thereon for contacting tissue. A channel 198 extends in a generally longitudinal direction through the sealing surface 196 b on the lower jaw member 194, and provides a path through which snare 180 may be advanced. The sheath 184 of snare 180 may be operatively coupled to an actuator (not shown) such that the snare 180 may reciprocate in the channel 198. Thus, the wire loop 182 may be advanced to a distal end of the channel 198 and withdrawn to the proximal end of the channel 198.

The wire loop 182 may exhibit a first electrical polarity (−) while the sealing surfaces 196 a, 196 b exhibit a second electrical polarity (+) to permit an electrical current to be transmitted through tissue captured between the jaw members 192, 194. Alternatively, the sealing surfaces 196 a (−), 196 b (+) may exhibit opposite electrical polarities, while wire loop 182 (+) exhibits one or the other polarity. The snare 180 may thus serve as a reciprocating blade for electrosurgically cutting tissue as the snare 180 reciprocates within the channel 198. The snare 180 may be configured in any manner described above with reference to FIG. 5F. For example, the snare 180 may be retractable such that the wire loop 182 may be withdrawn into the sheath or rigid such that the wire loop 182 does not retract into the sheath 184.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a jaw member 200 is depicted, which is configured to clamp tissue with an appropriate pressure to effectuate tissue sealing. Jaw member 200 generally includes a body 202 and a spring loaded seal plate 204. The seal plate 204 provides a generally flat sealing surface 206 on an upper portion thereof and includes a resilient lower portion 208. The resilient lower portion 208 of the seal plate 204 may be elastically deformed against the body 202 when a pressure is applied to the seal plate 204 in the direction of arrow “p.” Thus, the sealing surface 2066 is movable relative to the body 202 in a direction generally perpendicular to the sealing surface 206. The seal plate 204 may be constructed from spring steel, nitinol or other alloy that permits the seal plate 204 to flex.

A connector portion 212 of the seal plate receives an electrical lead 214 in a manner similar to a standard wire terminal connector. The electrical lead 214 may be crimped, soldered or otherwise placed in electrical communication with the connector portion 212. In this way, an electrosurgical current may be transmitted between the lead 214 and the sealing surface 206.

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity or understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. An endoscopic forceps, comprising: an elongated shaft including a distal end and a proximal end, the elongated shaft defining a longitudinal instrument axis; an end effector adjacent the distal end of the elongated shaft, the end effector including first and second jaw members each supporting a corresponding sealing surface thereon configured to clamp tissue therebetween, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable relative to the instrument axis such that the first and second jaw members are movable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue; a cutting instrument including a reciprocating blade translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members, the reciprocating blade including a tubular member extending proximally through the elongated shaft, the cutting instrument configured to contact an undersurface of one of the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are disposed in the closed configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces, the tubular member including a circumferential cross-section at a distal end portion thereof, the distal end portion of the tubular member continuously tapering along a plane from the circumferential cross-section to form a cutting edge, the cutting edge having a length approximately perpendicular to the instrument axis along a substantial length thereof greater than a diameter of the circumferential cross-section; a handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongated shaft, the handle operable to induce motion in at least one of the first and second jaw members to move the first and second jaw members between the first spaced-apart configuration and second closed configuration; and an actuator operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade.
 2. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the sealing surfaces is spring biased against a body of the respective jaw member.
 3. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second jaw members includes a generally flat stamped spine supporting a laterally extending backing thereon to form the corresponding sealing surface.
 4. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein the end effector is configured to fit through a cannula opening measuring five millimeters in diameter.
 5. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein the distal end portion of the tubular member is configured to contact the undersurface of one of the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are disposed in the closed configuration to define the gap distance between the sealing surfaces.
 6. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member are configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.
 7. An endoscopic forceps, comprising: an elongated shaft including a distal end and a proximal end, the elongated shaft defining a longitudinal instrument axis; an end effector adjacent the distal end of the elongated shaft, the end effector including first and second jaw members each supporting a corresponding sealing surface thereon configured to clamp tissue therebetween, at least one of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the instrument axis to move the first and second jaw members between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue; a cutting instrument including a reciprocating blade translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members, the reciprocating blade including a tubular member extending proximally through the elongated shaft, the tubular member including a circumferential cross-section at a distal end portion thereof, the distal end portion of the tubular member continuously tapering along a plane from the circumferential cross-section to form a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending beyond the circumferential cross-section in a direction transverse to the instrument axis, the cutting edge extending in a direction approximately perpendicular to the instrument axis along a substantial length thereof; a handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongated shaft, the handle operable to induce motion in at least one of the first and second jaw members to move the first and second jaw members between the first spaced-apart configuration and second closed configuration; and an actuator operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade.
 8. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 7, wherein the cutting instrument contacts an undersurface of at least one of the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are disposed in the closed configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces.
 9. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 7, wherein the tubular member includes a lateral opening therein providing access to an interior region of the tubular member.
 10. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 9, wherein an electrical conductor is disposed through the interior region of the tubular member.
 11. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 9, wherein a fluid conductor is disposed through the interior region of the tubular member.
 12. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 7, wherein the distal end portion of the tubular member is configured to contact an undersurface of one of the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are disposed in the closed configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces.
 13. The endoscopic forceps according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member are configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.
 14. An electrosurgical endoscopic forceps, comprising: an elongated shaft including a distal end and a proximal end, the elongated shaft defining a longitudinal instrument axis; an end effector adjacent the distal end of the elongated shaft, the end effector including first and second jaw members each supporting a corresponding sealing surface thereon configured to clamp tissue therebetween, at least one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member movable relative to the instrument axis such that the first and second jaw members are positionable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue; and a reciprocating blade translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members including a tubular member extending proximally through the elongated shaft, the tubular member having a circumferential cross-section at a distal end portion thereof which continuously tapers along a plane from the circumferential cross-section to form a cutting edge extending in a direction approximately perpendicular to the instrument axis along a substantial length thereof, the distal end portion of the tubular member configured to contact an undersurface of one of the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are disposed in the closed configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces.
 15. The electrosurgical endoscopic forceps according to claim 14, further comprising: a handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongated shaft, the handle operable to induce motion in at least one of the first and second jaw members to position the first and second jaw members between the first spaced-apart configuration and second closed configuration; and an actuator operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade. 